Body Image

When you look into the mirror do you see the beautiful person that you are? Many college students feel pressured by social media and society to look a certain way. Students will openly criticize the way they look because they have a poor body image.

Next time you find yourself criticizing your body:

  • Be body positive- Challenge yourself to stop saying critical things about your body.

  • Be thankful for the body you have- Make a list of the positive things about your body.

  • Be aware of the people you are surrounding yourself with- hang around with people that remind you of your inner strength and uniqueness.

  • Stay active- Don’t let your weight stop you from enjoying exercise.

Resource

EpicSelf
Use this website as a tool to shatter poor body image

What are Eating Disorders

Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a type of eating disorder not otherwise specified and is characterized by recurrent binge eating without the regular use of compensatory measures to counter the binge eating.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by a cycle of bingeing and compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting designed to undo or compensate for the effects of binge eating.

How Can You Prevent an Eating Disorder

Regarding Weight

  • Don't measure your worth by a number on the scale.
  • Aim for a healthy, realistic weight for your body type.

Regarding Bodies

  • Read magazine that promote a variety of body types and positive self-image.
  • Change the channel when watching TV programs that treat people like sex objects. Write letters to advertisers.
  • Marvel at the wonderful variety of bodies in the world--each one unique.
  • Accept your body at its natural shape and size.
  • Be thankful for the amazing things your body does every day.
  • Focus on inner beauty in others and yourself.

Regarding Food

  • As a rule, eat three healthy, balanced meals a day, and snacks as needed.
  • Build in treats to enjoy in moderation.
  • Read food labels and check portion sizes as an occasional learning tool, not an every day ritual.
  • Find alternatives to meet your emotional needs, instead of using food to do so.
  • Become aware of your hunger and fullness signals.

Regarding Exercise

  • Exercise regularly to stay healthy.
  • Choose activities that you can truly enjoy and make them a part of your life.